Located near Dillon, Bannack State Park offers visitors a chance to step back in time to Montana's first gold rush. / TRIBUNE PHOTO/ERIN MADISON

Visitors walk by the Beaverhead County Museum, which is located in an old railroad depot in Dillon. / TRIBUNE PHOTO/ERIN MADISON

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DILLON — Dillon, located in a spectacular valley between the Ruby, Blacktail and Pioneer mountains, has a long history.

Lewis and Clark traveled through the area looking for a route to the west. It was just outside Dillon that they cached their canoes and a stash of supplies for the return trip.

Later, the town became an important shipping point during the gold rush with two railroads passing through.

As Montana’s gold rush fizzled, Dillon remained important in the agricultural industry. At one time, the town was the largest wool shipping point in Montana.

Today, Dillon, with a population of about 4,000, is a unique mix of college town and agricultural center, with numerous outdoor recreation opportunities in every direction.

SHOP: The Patagonia Outlet in downtown Dillon offers Patagonia brand jackets, shirts and other items at below-retail prices. If you’re really a bargain shopper, visit during a sale weekend when everything in the store is 40 percent off. 16 S. Idaho, www.facebook.com/PatagoniaDillonOutlet.

STEP BACK IN TIME: Bannack State Park is one of the best preserved ghost towns in the West. The historic town is the site of Montana’s first major gold rush on July 28, 1862. As the price of gold dropped, the boom town went bust.

Today visitors can explore the more than 50 buildings that line main street. Some are even open to wander inside.

The state park is open year round. stateparks.mt.gov/bannack.

FISH: The Beaverhead River, which flows through Dillon, is a blue-ribbon trout stream, making the town a major draw for fly fishermen. Anglers also frequent the nearby Ruby and Big Hole rivers.

For a guided fishing trip, try Anderson and Platt Outfitters, 406-683-2692 or anderson-platt-flyfishing.com, or Frontier Anglers, 800-228-5263 or www.frontieranglers.com.

HIKE: With numerous mountain ranges surrounding Dillon, a visitor will find no shortage of hiking options. Climb Selway Mountain, located south of Dillon.

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“Ascending this nearly 9,000-foot-high peak requires moderate effort for an outstanding view,” according to the book “Hiking Montana.”

The book also recommends a hike to Grayling Lake, located north of Dillon near Melrose. The 10-mile round-trip hike takes hikers to three mountain lakes.

In the winter, head to Maverick Mountain Ski Area, 40 miles northwest of Dillon. The mom-and-pop ski hill has only one lift, but is surprisingly large with 23 trails. skimaverick.com.

EAT: Sparky’s Garage Bar and Grill offers a fun atmosphere with the restaurant designed to look like a 1950s mechanic shop. Inside, you’ll find an old truck transformed into a booth and lots of old tin signs. The menu features classic American cuisine including slow cooked ribs, pork, brisket and prime rib. 420 E. Poindexter St. 406-683-2828. www.sparkysrestaurant.com.

HOP ON THE BUS: The Taco Bus that is. Officially called La Fiesta Mexicana, this old school bus, parked near downtown Dillon, serves up authentic Mexican cuisine including tacos and burritos. Inside, you’ll find a counter and kitchen at the back of the bus and seating in front.

LEARN: Housed on a large campus featuring a log cabin, an old railroad depot, a one-room school house and numerous other buildings, the Beaverhead County Museum has a wide range of collections. Exhibits include mammoth fossils, military artifacts and a miniature railroad.

Check out the Old Depot Theater inside the museum for speakers, conferences and other events. 406-683-5027. beaverheadcountymuseum.org